Power & Politics

State Senator Dan Stec sits down with CBS6’s Tom Eschen to make his pitch for reelection in the race for District 45. In the interview, Stec breaks down his policy proposals for what he says will lower energy prices for New Yorkers along with other campaign promises. 00:00 Introduction and reelection priorities 00:29 Energy affordability and the CLCPA 04:37 Natural gas and the energy transition 06:08 Nuclear power and local control 07:13 Data centers and the proposed moratorium 09:57 Local law enforcement and the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act 12:19 Representation and legislative record 13:45 Corrections, prison safety, and body scanners

Learn more ab...

Melissa Seale, the Democratic nominee for NYS Senate District 45 joins CBS6’s Tom Eschen to discuss the plans for one of the largest legislative districts in the state. She brings years of experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner to the race, as healthcare costs remain a top concern for voters.

00:00 Introduction 00:25 Melissa Seale’s background and why she’s running 01:24 Healthcare spending, Medicaid oversight, and North Country funding 02:02 A “people over party” approach 02:45 The New York Health Act 03:47 Responding to concerns about healthcare costs 04:36 Utility bills, rate hikes, and energy policy 06:26 Natural gas and energy options for the North...

This week's Holloway's Headlines from producer Olivia Holloway include: City of Albany Common Council's passage of a Commuter Tax, Vivek Ramaswamy's attack ad against Amy Acton, Governor Hochul's recent childcare initiatives and opponent Bruce Blakeman's reaction

Tom Eschen sits down with Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox and Anti-Violence Coordinator Shaquana Kakumba discussing juvenile crime statistics, resources and outreach programs.

Power & Pop Culture discusses the Victoria Secret Fashion Show and Tom's Marathon

00:00 Holloway's Headlines: Albany’s commuter tax debate
09:38 Holloway's Headlines: Ohio campaign ad co...

CBS6 hosts a special presentation of New York's 20th Congressional District Debate between Democratic incumbent Paul Tonko and Republican nominee Ralph Ambrosio. Moderated by Tom Eschen.

Broadcast live from CBS6 Studios on October 21st, 2026

Learn more about your ad...

Chloe Pierce speaks with Tom Eschen about her campaign for New York State's Assembly District 107 00:00 Introduction and Candidacy 02:01 Priorities and Affordability 04:18 Taxes, Utilities, and Data Centers 08:12 Public Safety and Policing 11:23 Immigration and Professional Ethics 14:17 Cornell Allegations and Assembly Bill 101A

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Bendett, the Republican incumbent in Assembly District 107, discusses his record and bid for reelection with CBS6's Tom Eschen 00:00 — Scott Bendett’s background and district accomplishments 03:16 — Data center moratorium and energy costs 06:18 — Municipal funding and state spending 10:14 — Wealth, representation, and New York’s tax base 11:22 — 287(g) and immigration enforcement 14:33 — Flock cameras, privacy, and Cornell allegations

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CBS6's broadcast of the Senate District 46 Debate between GOP nominee and challenger Martha McHugh and Democratic incumbent Pat Fahy.

Topics included:

-Juvenile Crime

-Utility Costs

-Data Centers

-Flock Safety Cameras

-Fiscally Stressed Municipalities

-287 Agreements and Immigration

-Clean Water

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-GOP strategist and former Schenectady County Legislature Chair Peter Guidarelli breaks down the line Gubernatorial debate between Governor Kathy Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman

-Bluejacket Strategies' Morgan Hook provides his perspective on the New York State Gubernatorial debate between Governor Kathy Hochul and County Executive Bruce Blakeman

-Albany Airport CEO Stephen Clark sat down on CBS6's Power & Politics this week, discussing his background, his approach to the role, the ongoing construction project and his vision for the future.

00:00 — Show intro and episode preview
02:37 — Hochul–Blakeman debate breakdown
04:19 — Hochul–Blakeman d...

NYS Senator Jake Ashby, a Republican, discusses his run for reelection in New York's 43rd Senate District.

He touches on his campaign, utility costs, "Local Cops, Local Crimes" law, Veterans services and more

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Devin Lander, New York State Historian, speaks with Tom Eschen about his run for New York State Senate District 43.

Lander discusses his platforms on health care, environmental issues, utility costs and Flock cameras.

00:00 — Devin Lander and His Senate Campaign
02:09 — Cost of Living and Healthcare
05:40 — Climate, Energy, and Utility Costs
11:28 — Data Centers, AI, and Public Safety
15:23 — Lander’s Background and Qualifications

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Incumbent Tom DiNapoli (D) is facing GOP Nominee Joseph Hernandez in one of New York's Statewide Elections this year, both joining Power & Politics to discuss their campaigns.

Lee Miringoff spoke with Tom Eschen about the latest Marist Poll.

Power & Politics Producer Olivia Holloway provided this week's Holloway Headlines:

-Budget Deficits

-Cornell latest

-Campaign Developments

In front of a studio audience inside the CBS6 Television Station, Anthony Constantino, GOP nominee in New York's 21st Congressional District, discusses his campaign, and issues impacting residents. Constantino had agreed to six different dates for debates with Democratic nominee Blake Gendebien, but Gendebien declined the invitation, saying his schedule was full. The forum was moderated by Power & Politics host Tom Eschen.

00:00 Debate introduction and Anthony Constantino’s background
02:43 Canada trade tensions and tariffs on farmers
04:46 Iran, fuel prices, and energy policy
06:46 Fuel costs, farm regulations, and environmental allegations
08:53 Diesel ex...

On this week's episode of Power & Politics, Host Tom Eschen sits down with Bronx Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz, talking about his legislation which he says would close a loophole in the State's sexual assault laws.

Producer Olivia Holloway speaks with Asm. Amy Paulin, going over that legislation which she's co-sponsored, but also her career of legislation aimed at supporting victims of sexual assault, as a survivor herself.

Following tech leaders at the White House, Tom speaks with Kaitlin Asrow, New York State Department of Financial Services Acting Superintendent, discussing the implementation of the...

Janet Tweed, the Democratic nominee for New York's 102nd Assembly District, speaks with Tom Eschen on Power & Politics. Tweed discusses her background in the district, her goal to pass the New York Health Act, data centers, 287g and more. Tweed is going up against Republican nominee Marc Molinaro, as both are looking to replace incumbent Chris Tague (R), who is running for State Senate. 00:00 Introduction and the 102nd Assembly District 02:37 Farming, healthcare background 06:14 Data center moratorium, AI, and watershed concerns 07:56 Legislative independence, urban-rural issues, and public safety 12:39 New York Health Act and message to voters

...

Former Congressional Rep. Marc Molinaro speaks with Tom Eschen about running for New York's 102nd Assembly District, looking to make a return to the State legislature for the first time in more than 15 years. Molinaro discusses why he's looking to return to the Assembly, cost of living, rural hospital support, 287g agreements and more Marc Molinaro is going up against Democratic nominee Janet Tweed, as both are looking to replace incumbent Chris Tague (R), who is running for State Senate. 00:00 Mark Molinaro’s Campaign Message 01:10 District Experience and Why He’s Running 05:34 Data Centers and Local Home Rule 08:53 Public Safe...

This week, Tom Eschen sits down with Anthony Aguirre, President & CEO of the Future of Life Institute and Tush Nikkolaj President and CEO at Logical Net Corporation, talking AI regulation and innovation

Producer Olivia Holloway's Headlines: New NY Prediction Market lawsuit, new Siena Poll, White House Media Ban/unBan, Waymo movement, AI Regulation

00:00 Intro & Show Preview

01:19 NY Sues Polymarket

03:39 Siena Poll: Hochul vs. Blakeman & Data Centers

08:40 White House Press Access Fight

12:51 Waymo's Push Into New York

18:33 State AGs Call for Federal AI...

NYS Senator Pat Fahy (D-Albany), is running for reelection in New York's 46th Senate District. The interview spans from public safety to utility prices, economic investment and the City of Albany's Budget. Fahy is facing Republican nominee Martha McHugh. 0:00 Introduction: Senator Pat Fay, SD-46 0:19 Albany Violence & Downtown Revitalization 3:06 Juvenile Crime, Absenteeism & Raise the Age 7:37 Solar Panels, Farmland & ORES 10:16 Utility Affordability & Data Centers 14:24 Albany's Finances & $200M Downtown Fund

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republican Martha McHugh is running for New York's 46th Senate District, discussing her campaign with CBS6's Tom Eschen. She talks about job creation, solar complexes and local control, data centers and public safety. 00:14 Why she's running 00:58 District's diversity in population, density 03:40 Solar and home rule 05:20 Data centers 07:54 Utilities/Public Service Commission 10:44 Raise the Age 12:22 Minority-party strategy McHugh is opposing incumbent NYS Senator Pat Fahy (D)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode recorded 9/18/2026

Host Tom Eschen speaks with PSC Chair Rory Christian and Historian Andrew Morris.

Tom and Power & Politics producer Olivia Holloway go through this week's Holloway Headlines: 287g lawsuit update, data center regulation at federal and state level, and more. Tom and Olivia discuss controversial advertisements (Novig, Good Good) in this week's Power & Pop Culture segment.

New York is launching the Energy Affordability Index, a tool Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian says will help the commission guide decisions about rate increase proposals...

New York is launching the Energy Affordability Index, a tool Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian says will help the commission guide decisions about rate increase proposals from companies. Christian talks about how those decisions will impact New Yorkers energy bills, and how those companies are using artificial intelligence.

Andrew Morris, the Chair of the Union College Department of History, looks back 100 years at the City of Schenectady's Election of the first Socialist mayor in New York State, George Lunn. He discusses Lunn's politics, policies, and a look at how he compares with NYC...

This week, Power & Politics provides multiple perspectives on the release of thousands of documents regarding air quality in the days and weeks following the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center. Guests include Andrew Carboy, Attorney for 9/11 Health Watch, Congresswoman Laura Gillen and an excerpt of Tom Eschen's conversation with former Governor George Pataki.

Power & Politics producer Olivia Holloway provides this week's Holloway Headlines:

-Albany Sheriff investigator Flock misuse allegations

-Neighborhood Street Teams legislation introduced

-Artificial Intelligence as existential threat?

-9/11 Ground Zero air quality...

As mentioned on this week's Power & Politics podcast, Tom Eschen spoke with former NYS Governor George Pataki about the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. The full conversation will be available on the Anniversary, but this is the excerpt Tom was talking about in regards to the attendance for NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump at this year's 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Tom Eschen speaks to a variety of stakeholders in the world of climate science and policy, discussing attribution science, FEMA funding, and the New York Climate Change Superfund Act.

Power & Politics producer Olivia Holloway provides Holloway's Headlines: Pataki and Mamdani, Hochul and federal funding, Climate Superfund Act struck down.

Tom breaks down former NYS Governor George Pataki's comments to him about NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and attending this year's 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.

Following the interviews, Tom and Olivia discuss the impact of Gloria Steinem

00:01:18 – Holloway’s He...

Tom Eschen speaks with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and President & CEO of the Air Traffic Control Association Stephen Creamer.

Tom and producer Olivia Holloway discuss the top stories of the week via Holloway's Headlines.

00:00:00 Intro to Power and Politics; preview of Capitol threat, data centers, Albany deficit, and the “upstate NY” debate.

00:01:00 Thwarted Capitol Plot – FBI complaint against Jessica Bowie, alleged ISIS support, and targets from the NYS Capitol to Times Square and beyond.

00:04:34 Data Centers, NDAs, and Public Pushback – Pennsylvania’s executive order on data centers, local approval power, NDA ban, and parallels to New York’s data center and transparency debates.

00:08:21 Albany’s $22 Million Budget Hole – How the deficit went from 22 million to 7 and back again, driven by healthcare under-projections, higher pensions, and a revenue shortfall.

Several voices in the data center conversation joined Power & Politics this week: Empire AI Director of Research Computing Kiran Keshav, NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-Queens) and David Flynn, leader of Phillips Lytle’s Environmental Law Practice Team.

EmpireAI is one of the exceptions to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's Executive Order implementing a one-year moratorium on new data center development above 50MW. Keshav speaks to their work and growth since implemented in 2024 (now EmpireAI Beta), and why it's exempt.

This week, New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez announced a statewide tour, visiting 13 communities across New...

Former New York State Governor George Pataki appeared on Power & Politics this week, speaking with Tom Eschen on the heels of the dedication of the "Governor George E. Pataki Center" on Spring Street in Albany.

The conversation, taking place in a room adorned with photos of Pataki from his tenure as Governor, covered portions of his time in the State Legislature, as Governor, discussing the dynamic of politics and government at play then, and now too. They also discussed 9/11, and what he believes has changed since then.

New York State Acting Chief Cy...

Ray Brescia, who helped pen a recent commentary piece in SCOTUSBlog, discusses the impact of the most recent Supreme Court term, and what he believes it means for the balance of power in the Federal Government.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing her data center moratorium Executive Order. "The brilliant people at these AI companies, and we welcome AI innovation, by the way, very much so, as we welcome all innovation in New York," she told CBS6's Tom Eschen in an exclusive interview. "You (AI companies) created a powerful force, a technology that has the possibility of changing civilization and how we work and how we communicate, how we live. Artificial intelligence. Why can't you harness that power and ask the question: Can you receive what you need without these...

Following his Democratic primary win, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli joined Power & Politics, discussing the campaign along with other big issues impacting New Yorkers right now.

He also is looking ahead to the general election in November, where he faces challenger Joseph Hernandez.

Hernandez provides his thoughts on the Democratic primary, and how he'd approach the office if elected in November

These interviews were taped on July 1st, 2026

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebecca Nagle, award winning journalist and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, joined Power & Politics this week.

Nagle is the host of the "First America" podcast, which she says tells a more complete story of the founding of America, the podcast launching alongside celebrations of America's 250th birthday. Nagle travels to a variety of places, telling the story of interactions between settlers and Native Americans, including Upstate New York.

New York State Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs joined Power & Politics this week, providing his reaction to the 2026 Primary Election.

Zohran Mamdani-endorsed candidates won three Congressional races in New York City, creating a stir throughout the State and Country.

Statewide, incumbent Comptroller Tom DiNapoli (D) soundly defeated his first primary challengers in nearly two decades in office, which stuck out to Jacobs.

Primary Results & DiNapoli’s Win

Israel–Palestine, AIPAC & Voter Priorities

Peter Guidarelli, a GOP political strategist and former Schenectady County Legislative Chairman along with Jason Palmer, Founder of Together! and former Democratic Presidential candidate, join Tom Eschen to discuss Tuesday's primary election results

0:00 – Introduction and overview
New York primary results; NY-21 setup and guest introductions

0:56 – Peter Guidarelli on Constantino vs. Smullen
Trump endorsement, money, and outsider vs. insider framing

4:00 – Organization, county committees, and turnout
How money plus Trump shaped the primary

7:03 – Positioning for the general in NY-21
Constantino’s message, independents, DSA label on Democrats, partisan lean of the dis...

Blair Horner provides his perspective on this year's legislative session, discussing Governor Hochul's approach to the budget process, the legislature's power, the bills that passed (redistricting), the ones that didn't (lobbying), and Zohran Mamdani

00:00 – Cold open and introduction to Blair Horner, NYPIRG
00:29 – Hochul’s budget “hostage” strategy and compressed legislative calendar
01:33 – Primaries, pay pressure, and why lawmakers left Albany
02:04 – Governor’s constitutional budget power and late-budget leverage
04:05 – Pros and cons of strong executive power and secretive budget add-ons
05:34 – Lobbying muscle in Albany: Uber, auto insurance, and rising spending
06:19 – What needs to change...

Blake Gendebien and Stuart Amoriell are competing in the New York 21st Congressional District Democratic Primary, and debated at the CBS6 studios prior to the election. The moderator is CBS6's Tom Eschen.

00:00:00 – Introduction and Debate Rules
00:01:31 – Stuart Amoriell Opening Statement
00:03:11 – Blake Gendebien Opening Statement
00:04:41 – “What Kind of Democrat Are You?” – Ideology and Coalition-Building
00:09:04 – Key Differences Between the Candidates
00:12:07 – Immigration Policy: Border Security, ICE, and Guest Workers
00:21:56 – Farmers, Gas Prices, and the Iran War Debate
00:29:25 – “Showing Up”: Constituent Services and Presence in the District
00:34:34 – Trump Administration, Checks and Balances, and Use...

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing his decision to pull the plan for a new bus terminal in Albany's South End.

The decision came less than 24 hours after McCoy posted an update on the project on social media, saying: "The Advance Albany County Alliance, in partnership with Albany County, is advancing plans for the development of a new Intercity Bus Terminal at 106 South Pearl Street."

As for what changed, McCoy said it was a buildup of certain opposition to the project.

00:00 – Intro
Tom Eschen intr...

Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle, Democratic candidates for NYS Comptroller, discuss their priorities and motivations in running for office at the CBS6 Studios in Schenectady.

NYS Incumbent Comptroller Tom DiNapoli was invited, but declined the invitation.

0:00 – Introduction and Debate Setup
0:24 – Opening Statements: Goyle
2:38 – Opening Statements: Warshaw
4:11 – Why Run Now? Trump, ICE, and Pension Politics
8:23 – Palantir, ICE, and Israel Bonds Debate
10:35 – What Is the Comptroller’s Job? Competing Definitions and Powers
13:18 – Pension Fund, Housing Crisis, and Investing Outside New York
19:24 – State Budget Growth, Tier 6, and Taxing the Rich
21:44 – Medicaid, Utility Bi...

NYSUT President Melinda Person discusses the organizations recent resolution calling for more restrictions regarding technology and Artificial Intelligence in schools in New York State.

00:00 – Introduction and NYSUT ed tech resolution
00:16 – Parent concerns, screen time, and attention research
01:31 – Assumption that more tech = more learning challenged
03:29 – Computer-based testing vs. paper and pencil options
04:28 – AI in classrooms, foundational learning, and guardrails
06:07 – Companion chat bots, mental health apps, and student relationships
07:05 – Teacher voice in ed tech decisions and AI-detected work
09:48 – Technology balance, phone-free schools, and Albany next steps

Learn more abo...

Saratoga Springs, NY — Following an update on the city's finances, displaying a potential $5.1 million budget deficit, the Saratoga City Council approved a hiring freeze on Tuesday night.

Finance Commissioner JoAnne Kiernan, who started her term in January 2026, showed the Council a powerpoint presentation detailing the City's financial situation.

Kiernan tied the deficit in part to increasing overtime costs, health insurance, retirement and liability insurance.

"Our employees and their benefits are 83% of our budget, so any employee-related thing is very expensive," Kiernan told CBS6 on Wednesday. "Everyone is seeing increased utility costs, increased material costs...

Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs joins Power & Politics to provide an update regarding the city's finances. She discusses the recent historic State Aid for the City, totaling $44.4 million, which is intended to help mitigate the city's budget deficit now, and in the future. She also discusses the measures they're taking to help provide long term stability for the City's finances, and how they're approaching potential hurdles like Tier 6, the Rapp Road landfill closure, and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices